08 Jun Why Do I Still Get Cavities If I Have Good Dental Hygiene?
Cavities—for most of us, they seem pretty unavoidable. No matter how often we brush and floss, or how well we treat our teeth, they still have a way of showing up in our mouths unexpectedly. If you find yourself wondering why you still get cavities when you take such great care of your teeth, you’re not alone. At Prescott Dentistry, we’re here to help you understand what causes cavities and what steps you can take to prevent them.
Know Which Teeth Are at Higher Risk for Decay
Generally, molars and premolars are more prone to tooth decay. Because they have multiple nooks and crannies for food particles to get lodged in, they have more hard-to clean places where plaque and bacteria can grow.
Also, because they are primarily used for breaking down food before swallowing, food tends to get trapped in your molars and premolars more often. All of these factors can make it easier for cavities to form in molars and premolars, so take extra care when cleaning them as part of your daily hygiene routine.
Cavities May Be Caused by What You’re Eating
Many different foods and drinks contain sugars which can stick to your teeth, which the bacteria in your mouth then break down into acids. Over time, this can cause serious damage to your oral health. Certain foods are more likely to cause cavities than others.
Sugary foods and drinks such as sweets, candies, and sodas wreak havoc on your teeth. Additionally, the carbonation in soda can wear down your tooth enamel over time, and the sugar can expedite the tooth decay process. If you have a big sweet tooth, this could very likely be a reason why you continue to get cavities despite having proper dental hygiene habits.
Cavities Could Be a Result of Hygiene and Lifestyle Habits
Even if you are brushing and flossing regularly, you may be brushing and flossing incorrectly. You should make sure that you brush all the surfaces of your teeth, and that you spend at least two minutes brushing. You should brush the chewing surfaces, the fronts and backs of your teeth, the area where your teeth meet your gums, and your tongue. Then, floss in between each tooth and use a tongue cleaner to get rid of any lingering bacteria on your tongue.
Your lifestyle habits also play a role in your dental health. If you’re a regular smoker or tobacco user, you are at a much higher risk of yellowing teeth, tooth decay, and even oral cancer. Some eating habits, such as frequent snacking throughout the day, can actually result in the growth of harmful bacteria and an increase in enamel-dissolving acids.
Other diseases and disorders can contribute to tooth decay as well. If you suffer from dry mouth, this can cause an excess of acid buildup in the mouth. If you suffer from acid reflux of vomiting, stomach acid can quickly wear down the enamel of your teeth over time.
Cavity Treatment at Prescott Dentistry
As a holistic dental practice, we are passionate about educating our patients on cavity prevention and what causes cavities. In addition to healthy eating and lifestyle habits, oral health problems can be prevented through good oral hygiene and regular dental care from Prescott Dentistry. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you!
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